Shun divisive politics and spread peace, Isiolo religious leaders tell youth
Chairperson Ahmed Sett said young people should engage in constructive criticism and respectfully correct elected leaders whenever they go wrong.
The Isiolo Interfaith Network has implored local youth to shun rogue politicians who use them for online spats and bullying, saying this causes division.
Chairperson Ahmed Sett said young people should engage in constructive criticism and respectfully correct elected leaders whenever they go wrong.
"Use your energies positively. Do not attack leaders online. Tell them where they are doing wrong in a respectful manner, not by directly attacking them," he said in Isiolo town on Saturday, noting that the youth make up the country's most productive group.
Ahmed added that they should maximise their potential, and preach peace and tolerance among all.
"Act in a civilised manner and be tolerant of each other. Do not hate each other because of politicians. Do the right thing because that is what makes God happy," he noted.
Local leaders occasionally fall victim to online attacks by their rivals' supporters and residents concerned about the sad state of affairs in the county.
Recently, some leaders asked the security team to investigate the cases, especially those of character assassination, and bring the culprits to book, which sparked mixed reactions as some residents termed it a scheme to evade transparency and accountability.
Ahmed further asked the youth not to be involved in premature political campaigns and instead support all leaders in delivering their manifestos.
Network Secretary Stephen Kalunyu said the youth should take advantage of their numbers to unite residents and preach peace, which he termed a crucial ingredient for development.
"Beware that spreading hate and propaganda could land you in trouble. Let us engage in sober discussions in which we applaud leaders when they do well and inform them when things go south," he said.
The leaders spoke at the Askofu Plaza during the launch of Mbogi, a movement of residents keen on breaking ethnic and religious barriers for a united country.
The movement will undertake advocacy on social media use by educating the youth on the digital opportunities they can leverage and environmental conservation efforts targeting the planting of 10,000 trees across the vast county.
"We want to build a network guided by humanity; that appreciates our diversity and supports the elective leaders to deliver on their mandate," one of the members, Moses Miriti, said.
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